China`s defence policy `ensures national security`: Official

Beijing: The development of weapons and equipment in China is to ensure national security and is not directed against any other country or specific target, said the country’s Defence Ministry spokesman.

Spokesman Geng Yansheng said the international community should regard weapons tests and equipment upgrades as part of the modernisation of the armed forces.

Yansheng’s comments came in response to questions on the second test-flight of the J-20 stealth fighter jet during a news conference in Beijing, The China Daily reports.

He reiterated that China pursues a defence policy, which is defensive in nature and said it is normal for China to develop and upgrade weaponry and equipment in tandem with advancing technology, in line with other countries.

Yansheng added that it is also common international practice to test new weapons and equipment as they undergo development.

The spokesman also confirmed that Chen Bingde, chief of the general staff of the People`s Liberation Army, would visit the United States from May 15 to 22, amid the resumption of high-level military exchanges between the two countries.

"We hope the US can help create a good atmosphere for the healthy and stable development of bilateral military-to-military relations," he said.